Toyota said the prototype would have a driving range of about 300 miles (480 km) and accelerate from zero to 60 miles (96 km) per hour in about 10 seconds.

It also would take only three to five minutes to refuel hydrogen tanks.

"Hydrogen-powered vehicles will enter our life sooner than many people believe and in much greater numbers than anyone expects," media quoted Bob Carter, Toyota's US vice-president, as saying in a statement on Monday.